stop and measure the roses aminder k nijjar agcas heads of service conference 2009

Stop and measurethe roses

AGCASHeads of Service Conference

7 January 2009

Aminder K Nijjar

Introduction• How UK university CSs measure their effectiveness

& success• HECSU funding PROP• University of Leicester & personal time• Independent

Today1. Rationale2. Overview findings 56 pg report

3. Recommendations4. Seek your expertise phase 2

image taken from photobucket.com


Curiosity


Perceptions


Surveys – DLHE, League Tables et al

Agendas

(Watts & Butcher 2008)

Employer Engagement

EnterpriseEmployability

PDP


Research Aims

1. KPIs currently used

2. Expectations of senior managers

3. Need for measurable outcomes

4. CSs conceptualisation of effectiveness & success

More reporting than critical analysis

Methodology• 20 UK universities

Location Size UG FT Type New, 1994 Group, Russell Group

• One-to-one semi-structured interviews• 20 HoS• 3 senior managers HoS report

• 2 UK graduate recruitment & training organisations• 1 US university HoS• May – Nov 08• Report – Dec 08



DLHE• Mixed feelings• Institution-wide responsibility• Collect, report, recommend, improve• Central• Default• Affected activities top 100 grad rec

• Proactive engagement– Improved perception– Leverage


Activity Volumes – GUESSHigh 11+ Medium 5-10 Low - less than 5

1. Students on placements (volunteer / overseas / work experience)

2. Career development programmes in academic schools3. Student waiting times4. Student type (subject, year, nationality, ethnicity, gender…)

5. New initiative proposals6. Successful proposals with funding7. Careers fairs8. Vacancies


Answers1. Students on placements (volunteer / overseas / work experience) – MEDIUM2. Career development programmes in academic schools – HIGH3. Student waiting times – MEDIUM4. Student type (subject, year, nationality, ethnicity, gender…) – LOW5. New initiative proposals – LOW6. Successful proposals with funding – LOW7. Careers fairs – HIGH8. Vacancies – HIGH High 11+ Medium 5-10 Low - less than 5

Busyness ---- Competitive advantage ---- Relevant ---- Popular


Feedback & satisfaction

• Quality

• Feel-good factor

CS staff

• Annual planning

• Training

• Views

Other Methods

Income generation Innovation

• Self-funding

• Targets

• New

• Bids

• Awards


Other Methods

Quality

• Review

• Benchmarking

• Matrix

Surveys• ISB

• NSS

• AGR

• High Flyers

Profile

• Events

• Reputation

• Publicity

Relationships• Curric devpt


Issues & Challenges

Measurement Evidence - Impact, fit for purpose Inputs & processes - outputs & outcomes Formal targets Accountability / Autonomy / responsibility

Resource limitations IT, time

Competing expectations Public policy, expectations, satisfaction

Ownership of employability Academic depts, students

Senior management role Planning, competition, vision, HoS Stats, anecdotes, visibility

Nature of students Background, grades, motivation

CS perception Undersell, brand, time

Any questions ?



Ways ForwardInformation• Student data collection• Job applications & success rates by university

Research• Benchmarking• Institutional factors accountability, expectations• Performance mgt & measurement

Support• Formal support network• Stronger QAA employability & C Ed steer audits & reviews

Training• Leadership development• Dealing with big egos• How league tables work

Recruiters’ Perspective• Business-like• Relationships outweigh rankings

A US Perspective• Clear mission• Ease with DLHE• Learner outcomes• Demonstrating impact

Technology AGCAS


Conclusions

Understanding & interest

More measurable outcomes

Incorporated

Relationships

Confidence & assertiveness

Mgt info & skilled staff

Question & define purpose

Evidence value

Open communication

Successful strategies


Recommendations1. Consider necessity of demonstrating rate of return

2. Develop KPI tools, techniques & frameworks for CSs

3. Work collaboratively (institution & national) to understand & agree KPI definitions

4. Encourage evidence based / practitioner research & share findings

5. Conduct research into international context & senior managers’ expectations

6. Collate & place in shared space reports & research articles

7. Address KPIs & related topics nationally

8. Further develop networking & benchmarking groups

9. Develop specialist training to support HoS

10. Proactively work with institutional PIs (DLHE, NSS, IBS)

11. Include CSs in university strategic planning & development

12. Develop effective data collection & analysis methods

Your Comments

Points for Discussion

?


What Next?Stage 2• Identify KPI tools, techniques, frameworks for university CSs• Jan – Nov 09• International perspective Australia, New Zealand, USA• Other professions note & leave behind• Results Jan 2010

Your Expertise• Read report & provide feedback will be considered• Contribute to stage 2 info, resources, contacts… London participant• Leave your business card / contact details / email me:

[email protected]

…

www.hecsu.ac.uk – Reports www.hecsu.ac.uk/hecsu.rd/research_reports.htm

http://aminder.wordpress.com/

THANK YOU